Depression affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While many define it as feeling sad, symptoms of depression go far beyond general feelings of misery. In fact, many patients with depression report feeling a complete lack of emotion and energy instead of sadness. Other common symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Lack of interest in activities or information
• Weight fluctuations
• Insomnia
• Anger
• Hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Suicide attempts

Periods of depression can last anywhere from several weeks to years without treatment, and most people who have it will experience an episode more than once in their lives. If you don’t seek treatment for a depressive episode, it can start to impact your relationships, your job, and other aspects of your life.

Many people who have depression also have anxiety, but the conditions can appear separately, too. Anxiety and depression can both cause trouble sleeping and concentrating, but their similarities end there.

Anxiety makes you feel worried or fearful in situations that seem normal to others. While it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, chronic anxiety makes you fearful and irrational constantly. You might even notice physiological symptoms, including:

• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Teeth grinding
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia

Many people with anxiety disorder get anxiety attacks. Anxiety attacks can start slowly and build up until you feel completely out of control. They can make you feel dizzy and distressed and can even make it hard for you to breathe. In fact, anxiety attacks are often mistaken for heart attacks.

The experts at The Green Room Psychological Services Inc. work closely with you to create your treatment plan for depression, anxiety, or both. After evaluating your symptoms and becoming familiar with your lifestyle and personality, the team may add these components to your treatment plan:

Psychotherapy

Your provider chooses the type of therapy they think will work best for you. Examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy to adjust your thoughts and subsequent behaviors, or interpersonal therapy to focus on your communication abilities.

Medication

Several types of medication are effective in stifling anxiety and depression, especially when taken alongside therapy. Your provider might prescribe an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication, or a mood stabilizer.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes might sound difficult while living with depression or anxiety. After all, these conditions can stifle your motivation. However, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and eliminating alcohol and recreational drugs can help you take care of yourself and have a more positive outlook.

If anxiety, depression, or both are holding you back, call The Green Room Psychological Services, Inc. to request an appointment today.